Are you working in an organization where leaders exercise good judgment when making important decisions? Do the leaders in your organization make decisions by properly framing the problem?
One of the most powerful questions one can ask oneself is “Am I framing the question correctly?” Inspiring leaders make good decisions by framing the question in different ways.
Are you open to being challenged on how you framed a problem? Are you able to make better decisions by creating a workplace climate where the way others frame a problem is openly considered?
The Framing Trap
The first step in making a decision is to frame the question. It’s also one of the most dangerous steps, as how you frame a problem can profoundly influence your choices.
The Antidote
A poorly framed problem can undermine even the best-considered decision. You can limit adverse effects by employing the following guidelines:
• Don’t automatically accept the initial frame, whether it was formulated by you or someone else. Always try to reframe the problem in various ways. Look for distortions caused by the way it’s framed.
• Try posing problems in neutral, redundant ways that combine gains and losses or embrace different reference points.
• Think hard throughout your decision-making process about how your problem is framed.
• When others recommend decisions, examine the way they framed the problem. Challenge them with different frames.
Working with a seasoned executive coach trained in emotional intelligence and incorporating leadership assessments such as the Bar-On EQ-i and CPI 260 can help you become a leader who makes the right decisions. You can become a leader who models emotional intelligence, and who inspires people to become happily engaged with the strategy and vision of the company.
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